Indoor play places can be a blessing for paranoid moms: Your tyke is confined to a small space and, for the most part, interaction with dirt and other grime is minimized. But these areas — often featuring toy cars, bouncy houses and primary-colored ball pits — are pretty much the same. Not Little Barn. Located near downtown, the venue's attention to thematic detail is quite charming: The walls are covered with things like a Warhol-esque mural of cows, a chalkboard and a blue sky. There are toy animals and tractors to play with and ride, and the ball pits are clear — so you can actually make sure your kids are still breathing. (Oh, and did we mention that it looks like a giant bubble bath?) Music is also part of the fun, as there's a jukebox filled with old-timey tunes, and even hip-hop dance classes. 130 S. Beaudry Ave., dwntwn.; (213) 481-2276, littlebarn.org.

—Lina Lecaro

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.